Structure of a fish community in a temperature tidal mangrove creek in Botany Bay, New South Wales
Bell, J.D.; Pollard, D.A.; Burchmore, J.J.; Pease, B.C.; Middleton, M.J. (1984). Structure of a fish community in a temperature tidal mangrove creek in Botany Bay, New South Wales. Aust. J. Mar. Freshw. Res. 35: 33-46
In: Australian Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research. CSIRO: Melbourne. ISSN 0067-1940, more
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| Authors | | Top |
- Bell, J.D.
- Pollard, D.A.
- Burchmore, J.J.
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- Pease, B.C.
- Middleton, M.J.
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| Abstract |
The fish assemblage in the lower reaches of a temperate tidal mangrove creek entering Botany Bay near Sydney, New South Wales, was sampled using rotenone every second month between December 1977 and October 1980. Fourteen species were economically important, these fishes made up 38% of individuals and 32% of biomass and were represented only by small juveniles. Nineteen species were temporary residents; fifteen species were assumed to be permanent residents. Numbers of species and of individuals varied seasonally and were significantly correlated. The large numbers of juveniles and small species in the mangrove creek habitate were attributed to the availability of suitable shelter and food for such small fishes. Exclusive use of this habitat by small juveniles of several species in Botany Bay confirms that mangrove habitats in temperate Australia, like some of those studied in tropical and subtropical regions, are important nursery areas for fishes inhabiting adjacent estuarine and inshore marine habitats as adults. |
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